Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches are one of the most celebrated of the early 20th century. Designed with a large hinged case and gentle curvature, this extraordinary watch is a lovely reflection of a bygone era. The movement was manufactured according to the highest grade specifications provided by the retailer, including a cam wheel regulator, allowing for precise but practical adjustments to the watch, a "moustache"-shaped lever, wolf's tooth winding gears, and gold wheels for the wheel train. Produced in several sizes, the 48mm watch (including lugs) was the largest, and today retains an impressive and contemporary feel.

Gondolo & Labouriau was Patek Philippe’s retailer in Rio de Janerio from the 1870s to the late 1920s. Their “Gondolo” timepieces are now some of the most coveted by collectors. Each was originally sold to members of their exclusive club, the “Gondolo Gang”. Consisting of Brazilian high-society, each member was required to buy one pocket watch which retailed for 790 Swiss francs. Clients would pay 10 francs per week until the watch was fully paid for, however Gondolo Labouriau held weekly drawings so that the first week’s winner received his watch for free, while the second week’s winner had paid 10 francs and so on until the 79th week’s winner, at this point remaining members were required to pay the full retail price. This clever system not only helped sell watches but allowed their private club members to gamble - which was illegal at the time - but not enforceable for private organizations.

Production of Chronometro Gondolo wristwatches began in 1910 for Gondolo & Labouriau. Patek Philippe produced these wristwatches in a variety of sizes and case shapes, from circular and square to cushion-shaped and rectangular. This well preserved example of an oversized “Chronometro Gondolo” wristwatch is a true trophy watch for the demanding collectors. Believed to be a unique piece with a movement made in 1913, it is the only known 48 mm size model in pink gold. Equally spectacular is its lovely dial with highly uncommon Breguet numerals. Most other known examples of “Gondolo” wristwatches have either straight Arabic or “exploding” numerals. After one hundred years, Patek Philippe’s Chronometro Gondolo timepieces remain an important part of the brand’s rich history - and this special wristwatch represents this chapter at its pinnacle.